<p>fiddlestix makes great points. Just to expand on a couple:</p>
<p>Distance and travel logistics- air travel, train travel. Ease, comfort level getting to and from airport, mode of station to venue travel, experience in dealing with bus, subway, schedules, hailing a cab, etc. A rural, semi rural kid may feel overwhelmed in NYC, they may not. Is the student “street smart” or clueless, and are both parents and students comfortable with it. </p>
<p>Schlepping logistics- hauling a bass or cello and an overnite bag may be easier with a second body. A flute, trumpet, violin or viola will present less hassle.</p>
<p>Same with traveling by car. Are you comfortable with the driving, map reading/GPS skills of the student if they go it alone? Heavy traffic urban areas? Can they deal with a minor setback (flat, fender bender, mechanical failure?). Long distance vehicle travel can be easier by trading off drivers, sharing the time behind the wheel. </p>
<p>Many music kids are experienced travelers by middle school, seasoned vets by high school. In a number of cases there may be familiarity already with a particular venue/city through immersion or precollege experiences, concert or masterclass attendance, knowing and visiting older peers in attendance.</p>
<p>Work scheduling, family commitments, health issues, and finances all weigh into the decision. </p>
<p>Knowing your student’s mindset when it comes to past audition experiences may be a factor. This may be the first time for something of this importance, it may be just another in a series of immersion/precollege/competition type of experience. Is the student comfortable, do they need support, or would prefer minimal interference. For example, mine goes into “audition mode” about two days before: uncommunicative, pensive, reflective. Will not broach audition questions, discuss chances, potential outcomes. We saw this behavior early, recognized it and don’t hover or probe. His switch gets turned off after auditions, and he opens up again. The pattern has been the same from his first youth symphony audition, and continues now as he takes pro auditions.</p>
<p>I throw this all into the “know your kid” category. Whatever works for all is fine, and realize that the circumstances of going it alone or with a parent or peer companions might change throughout the process, depending on the variables mentioned.</p>